redjacketthief | Appointments

[For an acrophobe this was a terrible first choice. In fact it hadn't been her first choice, but something about meeting on a park bench, in the tunnels, or in the playground just seemed...wrong. Up here was better suited. Besides, forcing herself to cope with how terribly uncomfortable this made her feel would help her learn to cope. Not that she thinks she'll start spending a good deal of time on roofs.]

You are the man with games Lupin. Not I.

Everyone has a game, whether they know it or not.

[It's what made his so fun. It's not long before he's up, standing easily on the slope and looking at home. He grins and cocks an eyebrow at the blond as he joins her.] All right. Talk. You wanted to, right?

True enough.

[She chuckles and pulls the rope ladder back up once he's standing. Getting to her feet takes her a moment and she very carefully doesn't watch the edge. What she uses to anchor herself? Lupin. Even if only to smile. Once she's settled and...not trembling at all, she tilts her head further up the roof and starts walking.]

We may talk and drink at the same time, might we not?

...We'll be up here for a while then. General roof safety, you know?

And above all else, we should strive to be safe.

[Once at the apex she settles, the bag she'd stowed there ready and waiting. Out comes the bottle of wine Lupin had left on the doorstep of house 44, and two glass tumblers.]

[Somehow he's not surprised by that.]

You know, that was meant for the people in your house, not me.

Sabriel does not drink red wine often, and neither does Helios.

[Depending on how the conversation went? She also has that bottle of brandy Zenigata gave her.]

I see.

[He didn't make a habit out of spying on the comings and goings of House 44. It wasn't something he would know offhand.]

So you're looking for company then.

[Adele was working on uncorking the wine and blinks back up and over at him, brow quirked, half a smile in place. After a moment it fades and she's suddenly serious.]

A gift meant in remembrance should be shared with someone that has equal cause to remember. Ginia is gone, Lupin. Back to what, I do not know. Forgive me for wanting to spend time with those I care for in light of her loss.

[He understands this need, but is just surprised that he was the one called upon.]

No need to apologize, Goldie. Whatever it is, 'Nia is strong. She'll handle it. ...I didn't know her well, though, so I can't say much more, unfortunately.

[With things still...strange with her and Ben, off center with Luke, and with Gambit kidnapped, Lupin was the only one with which she would share the wine. Adele tries not to think about it as she pours them both a tumbler, handing Lupin his first.]

I'm certain no matter what, she'll do more than just endure it. Better for her to be home as it is. That is where she belonged.

[Lupin frowns at this, thoughtful. While he didn't know much, he knew that Alice wouldn't have come about without something nasty occuring in her lifetime. With her comfort and interest in his own career, odds were that she was on one similar, though not nearly as glitzy or as fun. Like during the short time Smoker was sent home, Lupin wasn't certain that Ginia would be in for something entirely pleasant or nice.

He shrugs, but waits for her before taking a sip.]

Perhaps. She seemed to me to be the type who would want to stay here, if given the choice. We don't know her full scoop, Goldie.

Doesn't really matter though. It is what it is.

She did say she was happier, here.

[It may have played a part in why Adele hadn't tried terribly hard to become any closer to Ginia than they were, a difference in opinion on that level? Could make things awkward. Strained in the home. She'd taken pains to never mention her opinions on the matter around her while they were in the house. But. It was what it was. Nothing to be changed.

She raises her glass to Lupin and murmurs.]

To those that have gone ahead.

[He learned about all of the differences in opinion back around the New Year, when Nami made a post asking how people felt about a hypothetical opportunity to return home with the catch that everyone would return too. There were those, like him, that would jump; there were those that had nigh impossible conditions that couldn't be guaranteed; and there were those who were very against it, usually the ones with deep ties or lovers within the enclosure.

It was why Lupin kept his thoughts and plans to himself, and why he hesitated to trust anyone. Whomever it was that did find a way out might very well face a lynch mob--he didn't trust crowds he couldn't control. Adele's observations back in February broached too close to this, and was why it made him hold back. He didn't need his plan compromised so early on.]

Aye. To those that have returned to their game, whatever it might be.

[He salutes with his drink as well before taking a hearty sip.]

[It hadn't been that difficult to avoid the subject around Ginia. Not really. So it hadn't been that large of an issue in the house. They lived as they lived, and what happened, happened. Little else matters now. Perhaps she'd return in the next cycle. It's happened before, with Smoker. Adele didn't want to hold out much hope. If she returned? good. If not she'd keep the room locked all the same. It'd be disrespectful to clear it out without giving fate a chance to return her to the village.

Adele shakes off these thoughts and offers Lupin a wry smile, taking a deep drink of her own glass. The wine was good, and for that she wasn't terribly surprised. Lupin had good taste, after all.]

And how goes your game, Red. You've been quiet since the mission.

[Lupin is reserving judgement on the factor of her return. If she does, it's nice. If she doesn't, it's no loss to him. There are always more people to drink with in the enclosure.

He returns her smile at her question, more than a little amused.]

I have a bum shoulder right now, remember? It's hard to knock Malnosso head together if you can't fully use both arms!

You liberated a country a mere week after suffering a near fatal gunshot wound. A bum shoulder won't stop if you should you have a mind for it.

[A sideways glance, a half smile. She'll have to thank Jigen again for sharing that.]

Oh, so you know about little Clarisse's kingdom, do you?

[Someone's been talking to her, one of his. Not that he minded, but this warranted investigation.]

That I do.

[Another sip. Her smile remains sly. Partly innocent. He wouldn't buy it.]

[He doesn't, and would hunt down the source later.]

What else do you know that you're hiding from me?

Nothing you don't already know yourself.

[She lifts a shoulder and looks back out at the village.]

[...well, this makes life a little interesting.]

Cute, Goldie. Just cute~

Sometimes.

[That face was adorable. Lupin can't help but chuckle.]

[It wasn't often Adele decided to act adorable, but. Call it a bit of Goldie sticking around. She lifts her glass, grins, and finishes what's left in it.]

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